Ogun Customs Partners NAFDAC, Military To Block Fake Goods, Smuggling At Idiroko

The Ogun I Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its campaign against smuggling and the influx of counterfeit products by forging closer collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigerian Army.

The renewed partnership was underscored during separate strategic visits to the Command Headquarters in Idiroko by the Director of NAFDAC’s Federal Task Force on Fake and Substandard Products, Dr. Martin Iluyomade, and the Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Abeokuta, Brigadier General Friday Oguche Onu.

During his visit, Dr. Iluyomade met with the Acting Customs Area Controller of Ogun I Command, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, to strengthen intelligence-driven operations aimed at intercepting counterfeit, fake and expired products before they enter Nigerian markets.

He commended the Command’s anti-smuggling achievements and advocated real-time intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement to safeguard public health and protect local industries from the menace of substandard goods.

Responding, DC Afeni stressed that dismantling organised smuggling networks requires strong inter-agency collaboration.

“Our resolve to secure the nation’s borders against illicit trade is unwavering. Strengthening our partnership with the Federal Task Force will enhance our operational efficiency and ensure importers of fake and substandard items find no safe haven within our jurisdiction,” he said.

Both agencies also urged importers, licensed customs agents and residents of border communities to embrace legitimate trade and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.

In a separate engagement, Brigadier General Onu visited the Ogun I Command to reinforce security cooperation along Ogun State’s border corridors and improve efforts to tackle trans-border crimes.

The Brigade Commander pledged sustained operational support and intelligence sharing with the Command to combat smuggling and other cross-border criminal activities.

“Security along our border communities requires a seamless, unified front. The 35 Artillery Brigade remains fully committed to fostering joint operations to safeguard national security and economic stability,” General Onu stated.

DC Afeni appreciated the Nigerian Army’s continued support, noting that joint operations remain critical to suppressing illicit trade while facilitating legitimate cross-border commerce.